Talk about playoff awards, especially the All-NBA, All-Defensive, and All-Rookie Teams, has heated up as the 2023–24 NBA regular season draws to a close. There has been a lot of discussion about the All-NBA First Team in particular, with four slots thought to be guaranteed and the remaining one still up for grabs.

Many people consider Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic to be First Team locks because of their continuously outstanding performances. They have set themselves apart from the rest of the field thanks to their leadership, offensive output, and team effect. The fifth and last spot is now the center of attention.

Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, and Jayson Tatum are the front-runners for that role. Through both team achievement and individual greatness, everyone has presented a compelling argument. As the star scorer on a Boston team that is ranked highly, Tatum has been an example of reliability and two-way efficiency. Both statistically and as a leader, Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ rising star, has advanced significantly. In contrast, Brunson has led the injury-plagued New York Knicks with career-higher assists, points, and clutch play.

The selection procedure is made more nuanced by the positionless method now used for All-NBA voting. There is more flexibility now because voters are not obligated to assign players to guard or forward positions, but the rivalry is also more fierce. This makes the selection less deterministic and more arbitrary because a guy like Brunson, who is typically viewed as a guard, may now compete more directly with forwards like Tatum.

The All-Defensive Teams are a significant topic of discussion in addition to the All-NBA discussion. Although defense frequently receives less attention than offense, it is still an essential component of a winning team, and many voters are prioritizing players who contribute effort, consistency, and superior awareness to that end of the court.

Expert picks increasingly include names like Alex Caruso, Bam Adebayo, Herb Jones, and Derrick White. White, who frequently faces the most difficult perimeter matchups, has been a key component of Boston’s defensive strategies. Jones, who regularly switches positions and obstructs passing lanes, is still a superb wing defender in New Orleans. Adebayo, who can play a variety of positions, is still Miami’s defensive anchor. The Chicago Bulls’ defensive identity has been shaped in part by Caruso’s gritty style and ability to produce steals.

The remarkable effect of this year’s freshman class has been brought to light throughout the All-Rookie Team deliberations. With his exceptional three-point shooting, playmaking, and shot-blocking skills—rare for a player of his stature and age—Victor Wembanyama has become a generational star. In addition to being healthy for his first complete season, Chet Holmgren has been a standout player for the Thunder, helping to build one of the best defensive units in the league and becoming a dependable offensive player.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Brandon Miller are two other rookies who are receiving recognition. Miller has been a vital component of Charlotte’s rebuilding aspirations by providing them both offensive and defensive potential. Jaquez has shown himself to be a wise and resilient addition to Miami’s lineup, performing well under duress and making contributions in all aspects of the game.

The fact that these rookies are being discussed for awards shows how rapidly the NBA’s youthful talent is developing. Rookies now play important roles, start games, and have an impact on team results; they are no longer only developing projects.

Voters will consider a range of factors, including team performance, sophisticated metrics, individual statistics, and overall impact, as ballots are soon to be cast. In addition to providing a glimpse of the season’s top players, the All-NBA and other awards frequently have contract and legacy consequences for the players.

The awards season heightens the tension leading up to the playoffs as supporters and commentators argue over the final selections. Although these honors will soon be formally recognized, they continue to be the subject of some of the league’s most heated discussions for the time being.